NHL Fined Seattle Kraken Defenceman Ville Ottavainen
The league handed down a maximum fine for a physical altercation during a recent pre-season hockey game.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Hockey
Live Poll
Should professional hockey players face stricter punishments for engaging in on-ice fighting?
The NHL has issued a $2,190.72 fine to Seattle Kraken defenceman Ville Ottavainen for his actions during a pre-season match. This penalty represents the maximum allowable amount under the current collective bargaining agreement.
Why it matters
The league enforces strict financial penalties to curb aggressive on-ice behavior and maintain player safety standards. This incident highlights the disciplinary oversight applied to players during pre-season play.
Ville Ottavainen was fined $2,190.72 for his involvement in an altercation against Calgary Flames forward Brennan Othmann. The fine is the maximum allowed under the league's collective bargaining agreement.
The players
Ville Ottavainen
He is a Seattle Kraken defenceman who was drafted 99th overall in the 2021 NHL entry draft.
Brennan Othmann
He is a forward for the Calgary Flames who was involved in a physical altercation on the ice.
Brayden Pachal
He is a hockey player who intervened to separate two players during a heated on-ice altercation.
Seattle Kraken
They are a professional ice hockey team based in Seattle that competes in the National Hockey League.
Calgary Flames
They are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary that competes in the National Hockey League.
The details
During a pre-season game, Ottavainen pulled Brennan Othmann to the ice from behind following a hit along the boards and subsequently punched him. Seattle defenceman Brayden Pachal intervened by tackling Ottavainen to break up the fight, which resulted in Ottavainen receiving minor, major, and misconduct penalties.
Timeline
Ville Ottavainen was drafted 99th overall in 2021.
Ottavainen made his only NHL appearance during the 2024-25 campaign.
Ottavainen played for the Coachella Valley Firebirds during the 2025-26 season.
The incident occurred during a pre-season game on September 24, 2026.
The NHL announced the fine on September 25, 2026.
Roadmap
This disciplinary action aligns with the league's established framework for player conduct during pre-season play. It reflects the ongoing efforts by the NHL to standardize punitive measures across all stages of the professional hockey calendar.
The penalty removes Ottavainen from the immediate game record but does not currently affect his standing for the upcoming regular season. Fantasy managers should monitor his discipline record as it could influence future roster availability if repeat infractions occur.
The takeaway
The league utilizes these maximum fines to maintain control over player physicality even during non-competitive exhibition matches. Players remain subject to strict conduct rules regardless of whether the game counts toward the official regular-season standings.
Further reading
For more on the current state of professional ice hockey, visit our Hockey section.
Live Poll
Should professional hockey players face stricter punishments for engaging in on-ice fighting?
